Coming up against one of the strongest clubs in the region, with multiple Vic League 1 representatives, Gulson said she was proud of the way her team played on Sunday.
“They've been one of the top sides for years, so we knew it would be a tough game when we took to the field,” Gulson said.
“We had a few players away, but the girls got the first score on the board, lifted their heads, and really took it up to the Tigers.”
With one of the club's newest players, Chelsie Hird, running riot in attack to score two of the River Rats three goals, the team stayed in step with the Tigers up until the end of the 3-4 loss.
“Between (Chelsie) and Jorgie Wright in attack, they dominated, and Renee Thompson, she controlled the game down back,” Gulson said.
“They really supported our younger players.”
After kicking off its Regional Hockley League campaign with an 8-0 win the week before, Gulson said she was rapt with how the team had come together in the opening two rounds.
“It's been a great start to the season,” she said.
“And I honestly think if we replayed the team (Tigers) with a full-side, it would have been a different outcome.
“It's just good to be back on the pitch after last year. Everyone is keen to play.”
The women will now take a break from RHL duties for a month, with many players set to play in the Vic League with North West Lightning or Goulburn Valley Hockey Association with Echuca.
The team will regroup ahead of round three on Sunday, May 2, when it hosts Sandhurst at the Echuca Hockey Centre.
In the men's draw, Echuca Moama struggled to gain a foothold against Strathdale, going down 1-5 on Sunday.
Scoring the River Rats' sole goal was Nigel Berryman.
The team now breaks for Easter, after which it will head to Bendigo Hockey Centre on Sunday, April 11 to face Strathdale Roar in what will be the River Rats first away game.
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